Dispenser with variable-volume storage chamber, one-way valve, and manually-depressible actuator

ABSTRACT

A dispenser has a housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. A compression chamber is coupled in fluid communication between the piston and one-way valve, and at least one of the piston and valve is manually depressible relative to the other between (i) a first position in which the piston is located at least partially outside of the compression chamber for permitting substance to flow from the variable-volume storage chamber into the compression chamber, and (ii) a second position in which the piston is located at least partially within the compression chamber for pressurizing substance within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressure and, in turn, dispensing substance through the one-way valve and out of the dispenser.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/027,401, filed Feb. 15, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,413,854, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/685,359, filed Jan. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,937, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/897,928, filed Aug.31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,842, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/043,365, filed Jan. 26, 2005, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,264,142, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/539,603, filed Jan. 27, 2004 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/613,612, filed Sep. 27, 2004, all of which arehereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the presentdisclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispensers for containing anddispensing fluids, such as creams, gels and other substances, and moreparticularly, to dispensers that include variable-volume storagechambers for holding multiple doses of such substances, one-way valvesfor hermetically sealing the substances within the dispensers anddispensing the substances therefrom, actuators for actuating pumpswithin the dispensers and dispensing metered doses of substances throughthe one-way valves.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Prior art dispensers for storing and dispensing multiple doses ofcreams, gels and other fluids or substances, such as cosmetic dispensersfor dispensing, for example, creams or gels for application to the skin,typically do not store the product in a hermetically sealed storagechamber. In addition, such dispensers may be exposed to, or are appliedto a user's skin that may contain, dirt, germs, bacteria and/or otherunwanted contaminants. Such contaminants can penetrate through thedispensing openings in the dispensers and, in turn, contaminate the bulkof the product, such as a cream or gel, stored within the dispensers. Asa result, the contaminants can be passed from one user to another orotherwise cause unhealthy conditions with further usage of thedispensers. Further, because the products stored within the dispensersare exposed to air, the products can degrade or spoil, and/or requirepreservatives to prevent such degradation and/or spoilage fromoccurring. In some circumstances, preservatives can cause allergicand/or other undesirable or negative reactions, such as unwanteddermatological reactions.

It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to overcome one ormore of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a dispenser comprising ahousing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housingand defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber andexterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. Apiston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mountedwithin the housing and coupled in fluid communication with thevariable-volume storage chamber. A compression chamber is coupled influid communication between the piston and one-way valve, and at leastone of the piston and valve is manually depressible relative to theother between (i) a first position in which the piston is located atleast partially outside of the compression chamber for permittingsubstance to flow from the variable-volume storage chamber into thecompression chamber, and (ii) a second position in which the piston islocated at least partially within the compression chamber forpressurizing substance within the compression chamber above a valveopening pressure and, in turn, dispensing substance through the one-wayvalve and out of the dispenser.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser furthercomprises a biasing member for biasing at least one of the piston andvalve in the direction from the second position toward the firstposition. In one embodiment of the present invention, the biasing memberis at least one of a coil spring and a resilient, elastomeric spring. Inone embodiment, the resilient, elastomeric spring is approximately domeshaped.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the one-way valve includesan axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending flexible valvecover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed,axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal betweenthe valve cover and valve seat. At least one outlet aperture is coupledin fluid communication between the compression chamber and the seam. Theflexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seamis connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allowthe passage of substance from the compression chamber through the seamand out of the dispenser. In one embodiment of the present invention,the valve seat defines at least one tapered portion that tapers radiallyoutwardly in the direction from the interior to the exterior of thevalve. Preferably, the flexible valve cover forms an interference fitwith the valve seat. Also, the flexible valve cover is responsive to aflow of substance in the outlet aperture exceeding a valve openingpressure to move between (i) a normally-closed closed condition, and(ii) an open condition wherein portions of the valve cover axiallyspaced relative to each other substantially sequentially movesubstantially radially relative to the valve seat to allow the passageof substance through the seam and out of the dispenser.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser furthercomprises a flexible bladder mounted within the housing and defining thevariable-volume storage chamber between the bladder and housing.

Preferably, the compression chamber defines a first radial dimensionthat is substantially equal to or less than a radial dimension of thepiston for forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, the piston includes at least one annular sealingsurface forming said radial dimension and fluid tight seal. Also in oneembodiment of the present invention, the annular sealing surface isformed by an elastomeric sealing member on the piston.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the piston is fixedrelative to the valve, and the valve is manually depressible relative tothe piston between the first and second positions. In one suchembodiment, the valve includes a valve body defining the compressionchamber for receiving therein the piston, and an axially-extending valveseat. The valve further includes an axially-extending flexible valvecover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed,axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal betweenthe valve cover and valve seat. In one such embodiment, the valve bodydefines a first bore for receiving the piston in the first position, anda passageway between the first bore and piston for permitting the flowof substance therethrough from the variable-volume storage chamber intothe compression chamber. In one embodiment, the valve body furtherdefines at least one outlet aperture coupled in fluid communicationbetween the compression chamber and the valve seam, and a second boreformed between the first bore and the outlet aperture and definingtherein the compression chamber. Preferably, the valve body furtherdefines an annular surface that tapers radially inwardly between thefirst and second bores.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible valve coverincludes a first portion connected to the valve body on one side of theseam, and a second portion connected to the housing on an opposite sideof the seam relative to the first portion, and a movable portionextending between the second portion and the seam for permittingmovement of the valve between the first and second positions. In onesuch embodiment, the valve body is manually depressible relative to thepiston between the first and second positions. Preferably, the valvebody includes a manually engageable surface, and the seam extends abouta peripheral portion of the manually engageable surface. In one suchembodiment, the dispenser further comprises a guide extending betweenthe valve and housing for guiding movement of the valve between thefirst and second positions. Preferably, a spring is coupled between theguide and housing for biasing the valve in the direction from the secondto the first position.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve and piston areaxially aligned, and the variable-volume storage chamber is spacedradially relative to the valve and piston. Preferably, thevariable-volume storage chamber is substantially airless.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dispenser furthercomprises a plunger slidably received within the housing and forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The variable-volume storagechamber is formed between the plunger and the piston, and the plunger ismovable axially upon dispensing a dosage from the storage chamber toreduce the volume of the storage chamber in an amount approximatelyequal to the volume of the dose dispensed.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a filling port is mountedon the housing, and a second one-way valve is coupled in fluidcommunication between the filling port and the variable volume storagechamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second one-wayvalve includes an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extendingflexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining anormally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming afluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexiblevalve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam isconnectable in fluid communication with variable-volume storage chamberto permit the passage of substance through the seam and into the storagechamber.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the piston defines a flowconduit therein coupled in fluid communication between thevariable-volume storage chamber and the compression chamber forpermitting the flow of substance from the variable-volume storagechamber and into the compression chamber.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the valve cover comprisesthe area around the periphery of the one-way valve in the dispenser top.This allows for a larger manually engageable surface of the valve coverfor actuating the one-way valve used to dispense the cream or othersubstance. The fill system for the alternative embodiment also comprisesa flexible annular shaped valve for passing substance from the fill portinto the variable volume storage chamber.

In other embodiments of the invention, the dispenser has a housing, avariable-volume storage chamber, and a one-way valve mounted on thehousing and connectible in fluid communication with the variable-volumestorage chamber. The one-way valve may dispense substance but prevent itfrom flowing through the valve in an opposite direction. The one-wayvalve may include an elastic or flexible arcuate-shaped valve memberdefining a normally closed arcuate, axially-extending outlet that formsa fluid-tight seal preventing substance from flowing therethrough yetallowing substance within the valve to flow therethrough when thesubstance exceeds a valve opening pressure. The valve member may formthe outlet with a relatively rigid arcuate-shaped valve seat, such thatthe valve member and valve seat form an interference fit. The dispensermay further include a manually engageable surface that is mounted on thehousing, is manually engageable and depressible to actuate thedispenser, is manually depressible between first and second positions,and is normally biased in the direction from the second position towardthe first position. The dispenser may further include means forreceiving a portion of the substance stored in the variable-volumestorage chamber and pressurizing the substance, that is connectible influid communication between the variable volume storage chamber and theone-way valve with the following operation. During movement of themanually engageable surface in the direction from the second positiontoward the first position, the variable-volume storage chamber is influid communication with the means, permitting substance to flow fromthe variable-volume storage chamber into the means. During movement ofthe manually engageable surface in a direction from the first positiontoward the second position, the means is not in fluid communication withthe variable-volume storage chamber. In addition, the substance withinthe means is pressurized above the valve opening pressure and, in turn,dispensed through the normally closed outlet of the one-way valveassembly and out of the dispenser. The means may include a compressionchamber.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides methods of storing anddispensing a sterile liquid product. The methods may include the stepsof (i) maintaining a sterile liquid product hermetically sealed within avariable-volume storage chamber received within a housing of a dispenserand defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber andexterior of the housing; (ii) manually engaging a manually engageablesurface mounted on the housing and depressing the manually engageablesurface between a first position and a second position; (iii)pressurizing the sterile liquid product within a compression chamber ofthe dispenser above a valve opening pressure during movement of themanually engageable surface in the direction from the first positiontoward the second position, and in turn dispensing the pressurizedsterile liquid product through a normally closed arcuate,axially-extending outlet of a one-way valve mounted on the housing andout of the dispenser, the one-way valve including an elasticarcuate-shaped valve member, and a relatively rigid arcuate-shaped valveseat forming an interference fit and fluid-tight seal therebetween; (iv)allowing a biasing element to move the manually engageable surface in adirection from the second position toward the first position; (v)drawing fluid from the variable-volume storage chamber into thecompression chamber during movement of the manually engageable surfacein the direction from the second position toward the first position;(vi) dispensing a plurality of different portions of the sterile liquidproduct at different points in time from the variable-volume storagechamber through the one-way valve by repeating steps (ii) through (v);and (vii) maintaining the sterile liquid product within thevariable-volume storage chamber sterile and hermetically sealed withrespect to ambient atmosphere throughout steps (i) through (vi).

One advantage of the present invention is that the dispenser can storemultiple doses of substances, such as liquids, creams, gels, or othercosmetic or cosmeceutical products, in a hermetically sealed, sterilecondition throughout the shelf life and usage of the dispenser. Further,exemplary embodiments of the dispenser can provide metered doses of theliquid, cream, gel or other substance with a simple, one-handedactuation motion.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent in view of the following detailed description of the currentlypreferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a dispenser embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is another side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the dispenser of FIG.1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing thevariable-volume storage chamber empty.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing thefilling of the variable-volume storage chamber.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 showing thevariable-volume storage chamber filled with a substance to be dispensed.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of thedispenser in the active position.

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 13 inthe filling position.

FIG. 15 is an alternative embodiment of the dispenser showing thevariable volume storage chamber having a slidable wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, a dispenser embodying the present invention isindicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The dispenser 10comprises a housing 12, a variable-volume storage chamber 14 formedwithin the housing 12 and defining a substantially fluid-tight sealbetween the chamber 14 and exterior of the housing 12 for storing asubstance to be dispensed. A piston 18 is mounted within the housing 12,and a one-way valve 20 also is mounted within the housing and coupled influid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. Acompression chamber 22 is coupled in fluid communication between thepiston 18 and one-way valve 20 for receiving a predetermined dosage ofsubstance, such as a cream, gel or other substance, from the storagechamber 14, and dispensing same through the valve 20. In accordance withthe present invention, at least one of the piston 18 and valve 20 ismanually depressible relative to the other between (i) a first positionshown typically in FIG. 8 in which the piston 18 is located at leastpartially outside of the compression chamber 22 for permitting substanceto flow from the variable-volume storage chamber 14 into the compressionchamber 22, and (ii) a second position shown typically in broken linesin FIG. 10 in which the piston 18 is located at least partially withinthe compression chamber 22 for pressurizing substance from the storagechamber within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressureand, in turn, dispensing substance through the one-way valve 20 and outof the dispenser.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the piston 18 isfixed relative to the one-way valve 20, and the valve 20 is manuallydepressible relative to the piston between the first and secondpositions. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the one-way valve couldbe fixed relative to the piston, and the piston could be movablerelative to the valve, or both the piston and valve could be movablerelative to each other.

A biasing member, such as a coil spring 24, is coupled between theone-way valve 20 and housing 12 to normally bias the valve in thedirection from the second position, as shown typically in broken linesin FIG. 10, toward the second position, as shown typically in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the one-way valve 20 includes a valve body 26defining the compression chamber 22 for receiving therein the piston 18,and an axially-extending valve seat 28. The valve 20 further includes anaxially-extending flexible valve cover 30 seated on the valve seat 28and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam 32 therebetweenforming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover 30 and valve seat 28.The valve body 26 further defines a first bore 34 for receiving thepiston 18 in the first position, as shown typically in FIG. 10, and apassageway 36 between the first bore 34 and piston 18 for permitting theflow of substance therethrough from the variable-volume storage chamber14 into the compression chamber 22, as indicated by the arrows in FIG.8. The valve body 26 further defines an outlet aperture 38 coupled influid communication between the compression chamber 22 and the valveseam 32, and a second bore 40 formed between the first bore 34 and theoutlet aperture 38 and defining therein the compression chamber 22. Asshown typically in FIG. 8, the valve body 26 further defines an annularsurface 42 that tapers radially inwardly between the first and secondbores 34 and 40, respectively.

The piston 18 includes a plurality of annular sealing portions ormembers 43 axially spaced relative to each other on the piston andslidably contacting the valve body to form a fluid-tight sealtherebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing members areformed by o-rings or like sealing members; however, as may be recognizedby those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on the teachingsherein, the sealing portions or members may take any of numerousdifferent shapes or configurations that are currently or later becomeknown.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the first or rest position, the upper sealingmember 43 is spaced radially away from the first bore 34 to permit theflow of the cream, gel or other substance within the variable-volumestorage chamber therethrough and into the compression chamber 22. Thelower sealing member 43, on the other hand, always forms a fluid-tightseal between the piston and valve body to prevent the flow of any fluiddownwardly and therebetween. As shown typically in broken lines in FIG.10, when the tip of the piston 18 enters the compression chamber, theupper sealing member 43 engages the second bore 40 of the valve body andforms a fluid-tight seal therebetween. This, in turn, increases thepressure of the cream, gel or other substance within the compressionchamber with further downward movement of the valve. Then, when thepressure in the compression chamber exceeds the valve opening pressure,the cream, gel or other substance in the compression chamber flowsthrough the seam 32 and is dispensed through the valve.

As can be seen, the axially-extending seam 32 formed between theaxially-extending valve seat 28 and axially-extending flexible valvecover 30 seated thereon is normally-closed, and forms a fluid-tight sealbetween the valve cover 30 and valve seat 28. The outlet aperture 38 ofthe valve is coupled in fluid communication between the compressionchamber 22 and the seam 32. As described further below, thevisco-elastic valve cover 30 is movable relative to the valve seat 28and the seam 32 is connectable in fluid communication with the outletaperture 38 to allow the passage of substance from the compressionchamber 22 through the seam and out of the dispenser. As shown typicallyby the overlapping lines in the cross-sectional views (FIGS. 8-10) thevisco-elastic valve cover 30 forms an interference fit with the valveseat 28 to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the valve seat28 defines several surface portions that taper radially outwardly in thedirection from the interior to the exterior of the valve. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 11, the valve seat 28 defines a first surface segment 44that tapers radially outwardly at a first acute angle relative to theaxis of the valve; a second surface segment 46 that is contiguous to,and downstream of the first surface segment 44, and is orientedsubstantially parallel to the axis of the valve; a third surface segment48 that is contiguous to, and downstream of the second surface segment46, and that tapers radially outwardly at a second acute angle relativeto the axis of the valve; and a fourth surface segment 50 that iscontiguous to the third surface segment 46, and is substantiallyparallel to the axis of the valve.

One advantage of the tapered configuration is that it requiresprogressively less energy to open each respective annular portion of thevalve when moving axially from the interior toward the exterior of thevalve. As a result, once the base of the valve is opened, the pressureis sufficient to cause the respective axial segments of the valve cover30 to progressively open and then close after passage of fluidtherethrough when moving in the axial direction to dispense a metereddose. Also, when dispensing a metered dose, preferably a substantiallyannular segment of the valve cover 30 substantially always engages thevalve seat 28 to maintain the fluid-tight seal across the valve 20 andthereby prevent ingress through the valve of germs, bacteria or otherunwanted substances and into the storage chamber 14. If desired, thevalve cover may define a tapered cross-sectional configuration tofurther facilitate progressive reduction in energy required to open thevalve when moving in the direction from the interior to the exterior ofthe valve, or alternatively, the valve cover may define the taperedcross-sectional configuration, and the valve seat may not define anytaper at all, or may define another surface contour not shown.

As can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and secondacute angles are approximately equal to each other. Preferably, theacute angles are each within the range of about 15° to about 45°, and inthe illustrated embodiment, are each about 30°. However, as may berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, these angles are only exemplary, and may be changes asdesired or otherwise required.

In addition, the flexible valve cover 30 includes a first portion 52connected to the valve body 26 on one side of the seam 32, and a secondportion 54 connected to the housing 12 on an opposite side of the seam32 relative to the first portion 52. A movable portion 56 of the valvecover 30 extends between the second portion 54 and the seam 32 forpermitting movement of the valve and valve cover between the first andsecond positions and relative to the housing. The first portion 52 ofthe valve cover defines a raised annular protuberance that is receivedwithin a correspondence annular groove formed in the valve body 26, andthe second portion 54 of the valve cover defines a raised annularprotuberance received within a corresponding annular groove formed inthe housing 12, to fixedly secure the ends of the valve cover to thevalve body and housing, respectively.

An annular guide 58 extends about the periphery of the first portion 52of the valve cover and forms an interference fit with the resilientvalve cover to prevent relative movement of the guide and valve cover.The piston 18 and valve 20 are received within a bore 60 of the housing12, and the guide 58 defines a radially-extending flange 62 that isengagable with the surfaces of the bore 60 to guide the movement of thevalve within the bore. Also, the flange 62 engages the end of the coilspring 24 to normally bias the valve in the direction from the secondtoward the first position.

As described further below, the valve body 26 is manually depressiblerelative to the piston 18 between the first and second positions todispense metered doses of the substance stored in the variable-volumestorage chamber 14 therefrom. The valve body 26 includes a manuallyengagable surface 64 on the exposed side of the valve that is manuallyengagable and depressible to actuate the dispenser. The seam 32 extendsabout a peripheral portion of the manually engagable surface 64 suchthat the metered dosages of the substance dispensed through the seam arereleased onto the manually engagable surface, and can be easily wipedtherefrom with the user's finger(s). As can be seen, the externalsurfaces of the manually engagable portion 26, movable portion 56, andadjacent portions of the housing define a smooth, concave contour, tofacilitate wiping the metered, dispensed dosages of substance therefrom.Preferably, the manually engagable surface is formed of a resilientmaterial, such as an elastomer material, to obtain a desired tactilefeel; however, other desired materials may be employed. Each metereddosage is approximately equal to the volume of the compression chamber22, and thus, the dosage volume can be precisely controlled by settingthe volume of the compression chamber.

In the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the housing andvalve body are made of relatively hard plastic materials, such as any ofthe plastics sold under the trademarks Topaz™, Surlyn™, and Zeonex™. Thepiston may be made of any of the same materials, or if it is desired toform an interference fit between the piston and compression chamberwithout the use of the o-rings or like sealing members, the piston, orat least the tip thereof, may be made of a softer grade of hard plasticin comparison to the valve body, such as any of numerous differentbrands of polypropylene, or the plastic sold under the trademarkAlathon™.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, the illustrated shape and above-mentionedmaterials of construction are only exemplary, and numerous other shapesand/or materials of construction equally may be employed. For example,if desired, the piston tip may be formed of a resilient material that isattached to the end of the piston assembly. However, one advantage of anintegral, relatively hard plastic piston as shown in FIG. 6, forexample, is that it eliminates any such additional resilient part, thusreducing the overall cost and providing a design that reliably seals thecompression zone from one dispenser to the next.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the outlet aperture 38 is oriented at an acuteangle relative to the axis of the valve body and piston, and the outletend of the aperture extends through the first segment 44 of the valveseat 28. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes asingle, angular extending outlet aperture 38 for delivering the metereddosage. If desired, additional outlet apertures may be added (e.g., asecond outlet aperture of the same or different size diametricallyopposed to the illustrated aperture 38), or the aperture 38 may be movedto another position than the position shown (e.g., the single outletaperture may be located on the opposite side of the valve seat than thatshown). The valve cover 30 is preferably made of an elastomericmaterial, such as the polymeric material sold under the trademarkKraton™, or a vulcanized rubber or other polymeric material. As may berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, however, these materials are only exemplary, andnumerous other materials that are currently or later become known forperforming the function of the valve cover equally may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the variable-volume storage chamber 14 isdefined by an axially-extending chamber 64 formed within the housing 12,and a flexible bladder 66 mounted within the chamber 64. The flexiblebladder 66 defines a peripheral lobe received within a correspondencegroove formed in the housing 12 to form the fluid-tight seal 16. Asshown in FIGS. 8-10, the flexible bladder 66 is movable axially withinthe chamber 64 to permit filling of the variable-volume storage chamber14 with the substance to be dispensed, and to reduce the volume of thevariable-volume storage chamber upon dispensing each metered dose in anamount approximately equal to the volume of the dose dispensed. Thehousing 12 defines a filling port 68 in the base wall thereof, and thepiston 18 defines a conduit 70 extending in fluid communication betweenthe variable-volume storage chamber 14 and the passageway 36 andcompression chamber 22.

The dispenser 10 is filled by slidably receiving a probe (not shown)within the filling port 68. Then, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9,fluid, such as a liquid, cream, gel, or other cosmetic or cosmeceuticalproduct, for example, is introduced through the probe, through theconduit 70, and into the storage chamber 14. As the storage chamber 14is filled with fluid, the bladder 66 correspondingly moves upwardly (oraxially) within the chamber 64 of the housing to allow the variablevolume chamber 14 to correspondingly expand and receive the fluid. Oncethe storage chamber 14 is filled, the probe is removed from the fillingport 68, and the filling port is sealed with a plug 72 (FIG. 10) tohermetically seal the fluid within the dispenser.

The bladder 66 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such asone of the polymeric materials sold under the trademarks Kraton™ orSantoprene™ (e.g., Santoprene 8211-35), or a vulcanized rubber or otherpolymeric material. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinaryskill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, thesematerials are only exemplary, and numerous other materials that arecurrently, or later become known for performing the functions of thebladder and/or valve member equally may be used.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the dispenser is empty, the bladder 66 is drawndown fully into engagement with the base wall of the chamber 64 of thehousing such that the variable volume storage chamber 14 is atsubstantially zero volume. If desired, the bladder 66 may be formed suchthat it creates a positive pressure gradient on the fluid or othersubstance in the storage chamber 14.

If desired, rather than simply include the filling port 68 and plug 72,the dispenser may include a second one-way valve or filling valve (notshown) mounted within the filling port for receiving the substancetherethrough to fill the variable-volume storage chamber 14, and toretain the substance within the storage chamber in a hermeticallysealed, substantially airless condition. In this embodiment, the secondone-way valve may include an axially-extending valve seat and anaxially-extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat anddefining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forminga fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexiblevalve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam isconnectable in fluid communication with variable-volume storage chamberto permit the passage of substance through the seam and into the storagechamber. This type of valve may be filled in substantially the samemanner as described above by connecting the filling probe to the valveand pumping the substance through the valve and into the storagechamber. The valve cover of the filling valve is normally closed tomaintain the interior of the dispenser hermetically sealed. Thus, priorto filling, the empty dispenser may be sterilized, such as by applyinggamma, e-beam, or another type of radiation thereto. Then, the sealed,empty and sterilized dispenser may be transported to a sterile fillingmachine or other filling station without risk of contaminating thesterilized interior portions of the dispenser.

The housing 12 includes a first or upper housing part 74 and a second orbase housing part 76 fixedly secured to the first housing part andforming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A peripheral sealing member 78,such as an o-ring or like sealing member, is compressed between thefirst and second housing parts to form the fluid-tight sealtherebetween. As also shown in FIGS. 8-10, the sealing portion 16 of theflexible bladder 66 is compressed between the first and second housingparts to form a fluid-tight seal between the variable volume storagechamber and the ambient atmosphere.

The housing further includes an annular fastening member 80 extendingabout the periphery of the second portion 54 of the valve cover tofixedly secure the valve cover to the housing and form a fluid-tightseal therebetween. The fastening member 80 includes a peripheral recess,and the adjacent surfaces of the housing define an annular lobe that isreceived within the recess to fixedly secure the fastening member to thehousing. As shown in the drawings, the external surfaces of thefastening member 80, valve body 26 and manually engagable portion 64thereof, and surrounding surface of the upper housing part 74 cooperateto define a substantially smooth, generally concave surface contour forreceiving the metered dosages of substance dispensed through the valve,and permitting convenient removal therefrom by a user.

The base housing part 76 includes a base wall 84 fixedly securedthereto, and including an annular sealing member 86, such as an o-ring,therebetween to form a fluid-tight seal. As can be seen, the base wall84 defines the filling port 68, and cooperates with the base 76 to formthe conduit 70 extending from the variable-volume storage chamber 14 andthrough the piston 18. An axially and angularly-extending chamber 86 isformed in the base housing part 76 adjacent to the outer surfacethereof. In some embodiments of the present invention, the base housingpart is transparent or translucent, and the chamber 86 is adapted toreceive a label or like member for identifying the substance within thedispenser or otherwise providing desired information.

In the operation of the dispenser 10, the user manually depresses theengagable portion 64 of the valve 20. This, in turn, moves the valvefrom the first position shown in FIGS. 8-10, to the second position,shown in broken lines in FIG. 10. Movement of the valve 20 between thefirst and second positions pressurizes the cream, gel or other fluid inthe compression chamber until the pressure within the compressionchamber reaches the valve opening pressure. Then, a metered dosagesubstantially equal to the volume of the compression chamber isdispensed through the outlet aperture 38 and seam 32 and out of thedispenser. The metered dosage is delivered to the contoured surfaces onthe exterior side of the valve, and the user can wipe away the dosagewith one or more fingers. When the user releases the manually engagableportion 64 of the valve, the spring 24 drives the valve from the secondposition, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10, to the first position, asshown in FIG. 8. The movement of the valve body 26 away from the piston18 draws by suction (the sealed chambers 14 and 22, and conduitstherebetween, are preferably airless or substantially airless) anotherdosage of the cream, gel or other substance from the variable-volumestorage chamber 14 and/or conduit 70, and into the compression chamber22 to fill the compression chamber. The flexible bladder 66substantially simultaneously moves downwardly within the chamber 64 ofthe housing to reduce the volume of the variable-volume storage chamber14 by an amount approximately equal to the amount of the next dosedelivered to the compression chamber 22. The dispenser is then ready todeliver another dose.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, the spring 24 may take any of numerousdifferent shapes and/or configurations, or may be formed of any ofnumerous different materials, that are currently, or later become knownfor performing the function of the spring as described herein. Forexample, the spring may be formed of an elastic material and may definea dome or other shape. The dome-shaped or other elastomeric spring maybe located in the same position as the spring 24 (i.e., extendingbetween the base of the valve body and housing). Alternatively, such anelastomeric spring may be formed integral with the valve cover in theregion of the movable portion 56 of the valve cover, for example. Thus,the spring may take the form of any of numerous different springs thatare currently or later become known, and may be made of metal, plastic,or any of numerous other materials, for biasing at least one of thepiston and valve relative to the other, as described herein. Also, theshape and/or material of construction of the spring may be selected tocontrol the spring force. One advantage of the substantially dome-shapedconfiguration, is that the dome shape imparts lateral (or radial) andaxial forces to the valve to facilitate maintaining sufficient force todrive the valve from the fully-depressed to the rest position throughoutthe shelf-life and usage of the dispenser 10. Yet another advantage ofan elastomeric spring is that it may be formed integral with the valvecover, and therefore eliminate the need for an additional part.

One advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, is that once a metered dosage is dispensed, the valve 20returns to its rest position, as shown typically in FIG. 8, and thussubstantially equalizes the pressure in the compression chamber 22 andthe storage chamber 14. As a result, the cream, gel or other substancedoes not continue to flow through the valve. Thus, residual seepage ofcream, gel or other substance through the dispensing valve may beavoided. Yet another advantage of the dispenser of the presentinvention, is that the bulk of the cream, gel or other substance storedwithin the variable-volume storage chamber 14 remains hermeticallysealed in the storage chamber throughout the shelf life and usage of thedispenser. Yet another advantage of the dispensers of the presentinvention is that the variable-volume storage chamber may be maintainedin an airless, or substantially airless condition, and the one-way valvesubstantially prevents any germs, bacteria or other unwanted substancesfrom entered the dispenser and contaminating the bulk of the cream, gelor other substance or product contained within the dispenser.Accordingly, if desired, the dispensers of the present invention may beused to store and dispense multiple doses of sterile substances and/orpreservative-free substances.

In FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a dispenser of the presentinvention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. Thedispenser 100 is similar to the dispenser 10 described above withreference to FIGS.1-12, and therefore like reference numeral preceded bythe numeral 1 are used to indicate like elements. FIG. 13 depicts thedispenser 100 in the active or ready position. FIG. 14 depicts thedispenser in the filling or dispensing position. One primary differenceof the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser 10 described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-12 is that the manually engagable surface 164is positioned around the periphery of the one-way valve 120 as opposedto within the one-way valve. This permits a larger movable portion 156on the upper region of the dispenser 100 for actuating the one-way valve120 with respect to the previously described embodiment (FIGS. 1-12) andto thereby facilitate dispensing.

A second difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser10 is that the variable-volume storage chamber 114 holding the bladder166 is annular in shape as opposed to non-annular 14.

A third difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser10 is that the substance passageway leading to the compression chamber122 comprises three bores (134, 136 and 140) of differing diameters asopposed to two bores (34, 40). It is noted that additional bores mayalso be included. When additional bores are included, the substance maybe dispensed from the variable volume storage chamber in a more evenmanner.

A fourth difference of the dispenser 100 in comparison to the dispenser10 is that the axially extending seam 132 is not comprised of taperedsurface segments (44, 46, and 48) as in dispenser 10.

A fifth difference of the dispenser 100 is that the fill systemcomprises an annular one-way flexible fill valve 171 for permittingentry of the substance into the variable-volume storage chamber 114. Afill tube (not shown) is positioned in the fill port 168 and exerts apositive pressure by the passage of substance through the upstream fillconduit 170 and into the one-way flexible fill valve 171. The positivepressure opens the one-way flexible fill valve 171 such that substancepasses into the downstream fill conduit 173. The substance then fillsthe area around the flexible bladder 166 in the variable volume storagecontainer 114. During the filling process, positive pressure develops inthe variable volume storage chamber 114 from the substance pressingagainst the flexible bladder 166. As the flexible bladder 166 movesupwardly and compresses air in the variable volume storage chamber 114,it does not conform to the upper surface of the chamber 114, but ratherair pocket(s) are created above the substance in the chamber, whichfacilitates in dispensing the substance upon actuation of one-way valve120. Once positive pressure created by the substance passing through thefill tube (not shown) subsides, the one-way flexible fill valve 171closes, which prevents the backflow of substance from thevariable-volume dispensing chamber 114 into the filling port 168.Annular sealing members 143 serve to prevent the flow of substance fromthe variable volume dispensing chamber and the compression chamber downthe bores (134, 136, 140) of the one-way valve 120.

The filling valve 171 may be the same as, or similar to any of thefilling valves disclosed in, and the filling apparatus and method offilling the dispenser may be the same as or similar to any of theapparatus or methods disclosed in, the following co-pending patentapplication which is assigned to the Assignee of the present inventionand is hereby expressly incorporated by reference as part of the presentdisclosure: U.S. application Ser. No. 10/843,902, filed May 12, 2004,titled “Dispenser and Apparatus and Method for Filling a Dispenser”.

Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment of a dispenser of the presentinvention is indicated generally by reference number 200. The dispenser200 is similar to the dispensers 10 and 100 described above withreference to FIGS. 1-14, and therefore like reference numerals precededby the numeral 2 are used to indicate like elements. FIG. 15 illustratesthe variable-storage chamber 214 as being a slidable wall 290 or plungerreceived within the chamber 264 of the housing 212 (or a chamberdefining a different form to receive the plunger) and forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The slidable wall 290replaces the flexible bladder and operates in a similar manner as theflexible bladder. The slidable wall 290 is movable axially (in adownward direction as shown in the figure) upon dispensing a dosage fromthe storage chamber to reduce the volume of the storage chamber in anamount approximately equal to the volume of the dose dispensed.

In the operation of the dispenser 210, the user manually depresses theengageable portion 264 of the valve 220. Movement of the valve 220 in adownward direction, as shown in the figure, pressurizes the cream, gelor other fluid in the compression chamber until the pressure within thecompression chamber reaches the valve opening pressure. Then, a metereddosage substantially equal to the volume of the compression chamber isdispensed through the outlet aperture 238 and seam 232 and out of thedispenser. The metered dosage is delivered to the contoured surfaces onthe exterior side of the valve, and the user can wipe away the dosagewith one or more fingers.

When the user releases the manually engageable portion 264 of the valve,the spring 224, which illustrated as a dome spring in this embodiment,drives the valve in an upward direction. The movement of the valve body226 away from the piston 218 draws by suction another dosage of thecream, gel or other substance from the variable-volume storage chamber214 and/or conduit 270, and into the compression chamber 22 to fill thecompression chamber. The slidable wall 290 substantially simultaneouslymoves downwardly within the chamber 264 of the housing to reduce thevolume of the variable-volume storage chamber 214 by an amountapproximately equal to the amount of the next dose delivered to thecompression chamber 222. The dispenser is then ready to deliver anotherdose.

The slidable wall 290 may be made of a relatively resilient plasticmaterial, such as one of the plastics sold under the trademarkSantoprene™ (e.g., Santoprene 8211-35 (shore 35 hardness) or 8211-55(shore 55 hardness)). As indicated above, the valve cover and domespring (if employed as described above) also may be made of a relativelyresilient plastic, such as one of the plastics sold under the trademarkSantoprene™ (e.g., Santoprene 8211-35 (shore 35 hardness)). As may berecognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, these materials are only exemplary, and may be changedas desired or otherwise required by a particular application. Forexample, in applications requiring low sorption, the slidable wall,piston, housing, and/or valve body may be formed of a relatively lowsorptive material, such as a relatively hard plastic, including one ormore of the plastics sold under the trademark Topas.

This patent application includes subject matter that is similar orrelevant to the subject matter disclosed in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/272,577, filed Oct. 16, 2002, entitled“Dispenser With Sealed Chamber And One-Way Valve For Providing MeteredAmounts Of Substances”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/843,902,filed May 12, 2004, entitled “Dispenser And Apparatus And Method ForFilling A Dispenser”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/893,686, filedJul. 16, 2004, entitled “Piston-Type Dispenser With One-Way Valve ForStoring And Dispensing Metered Amounts Of Substances”, and U.S. designpatent application Ser. No. 29/214,038 filed on Sep. 27, 2004 entitled“Dispensing Container”, each of which is assigned to the Assignee of thepresent invention and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference aspart of the present disclosure.

As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent artbased on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may bemade to the above-described and other embodiments of the presentinvention without departing from the spirit of the invention as definedin the claims. For example, the components of the dispensers may be madeof any of numerous different materials that are currently or laterbecome known for performing the function(s) of each such component.Similarly, the components of the dispensers may take any of numerousdifferent shapes and/or configurations. Also, the dispensers may be usedto dispense any of numerous different types of fluids or othersubstances for any of numerous different applications, including, forexample, cosmetic, dermatological, or other pharmaceutical,cosmeceutical and/or OTC applications. Further, the filling machine usedto fill the dispensers of the present invention may take any of numerousdifferent configurations that are currently, or later become known forfilling the dispensers. For example, the filling machines may have anyof numerous different mechanisms for sterilizing, feeding, evacuatingand/or filling the dispensers. Further, if a filling valve is employed,it could take any of numerous different configurations, and could belocated in any of numerous different locations, including, for example,a filling valve that extends through a housing wall or otherwise iscoupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber to evacuateand/or fill the storage chamber. Alternatively, the dispenser mayinclude one valve for evacuating the interior of the dispenser andanother valve for filling the storage chamber of the dispenser. Stillfurther, the piston and/or dispensing valve each may take aconfiguration that is different than that disclosed herein. Accordingly,this detailed description of currently preferred embodiments is to betaken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser comprising: a housing; avariable-volume storage chamber located within the housing and defininga substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of thehousing for storing a substance to be dispensed; a manually engageablesurface mounted on the dispenser that is manually engageable anddepressible to actuate the dispenser, wherein the manually engageablesurface is manually depressible between first and second positions andis normally biased in a direction from the second position toward thefirst position; a one-way valve mounted on the dispenser and connectiblein fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber, whereinthe one-way valve includes an elastic valve member defining a normallyclosed outlet forming a substantially fluid-tight seal that prevents aflow of the substance therethrough but that allows the substance withinthe valve to flow therethrough when the substance exceeds a valveopening pressure; a compression chamber connectible in fluidcommunication with the variable volume storage chamber, wherein (i)during movement of the manually engageable surface in a direction fromthe second position toward the first position, the variable-volumestorage chamber is in fluid communication with the compression chamberfor permitting the substance to flow from the variable-volume storagechamber into the compression chamber, and (ii) during movement of themanually engageable surface in a direction from the first positiontoward the second position, the substance is pressurized above the valveopening pressure and, in turn, dispensed through the normally closedoutlet of the one-way valve and out of the dispenser.
 2. A dispenser asdefined in claim 1, further comprising: a piston mounted on the housing,wherein in the first position the piston is located at least partiallyoutside of the compression chamber, and in the second position thepiston is located at least partially within the compression chamber; anda biasing member for biasing the piston in the direction from the secondposition toward the first position.
 3. A dispenser as defined in claim1, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the manuallyengageable surface in the direction from the second position toward thefirst position, wherein the biasing member is at least one of a coilspring and a resilient, elastomeric spring.
 4. A dispenser as defined inclaim 3, wherein the resilient, elastomeric spring is approximately domeshaped.
 5. A dispenser as defined in claim 1, wherein the elastic valvemember is responsive to the flow of the substance at the outletexceeding the valve opening pressure to move between (i) anormally-closed condition, and (ii) an open condition wherein at leastportions of the valve member move to allow the passage of substancethrough the outlet and out of the dispenser.
 6. A dispenser as definedin claim 1, further comprising one of (i) a flexible bladder mountedwithin the housing and defining the variable-volume storage chamber, and(ii) a slidable wall engaging the housing and defining thevariable-volume storage chamber between the slidable wall and thehousing.
 7. A dispenser as defined in claim 1, wherein thevariable-volume storage chamber is substantially airless.
 8. A dispenseras defined in claim 1, further comprising a plunger engaging the housingand forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween, wherein theplunger is movable axially upon dispensing a volume of dosage from thestorage chamber to reduce the volume of the storage chamber in an amountapproximately equal to the volume of the dosage dispensed.
 9. Adispenser as defined in claim 1, wherein the outlet of the one-way valveis adjacent to the manually engageable surface.
 10. A dispenser as inclaim 2, wherein depressing the manually engageable surface moves thepiston from the first position toward the second position, and, in turn,pressurizing the substance.
 11. A dispenser comprising: a housing; oneof a slidable wall and a plunger slidably engaging the housing forming asubstantially fluid-tight seal therebetween and defining avariable-volume storage chamber therebetween for storing a substance tobe dispensed within the housing; a manually engageable surface that ismanually engageable and depressible to actuate the dispenser, whereinthe manually engageable surface is manually depressible between firstand second positions and is normally biased in a direction from thesecond position toward the first position; a compression chamberconnectible in fluid communication with the variable volume storagechamber; a one-way valve connectible in fluid communication with atleast one of the variable-volume storage chamber and the compressionchamber, wherein the one-way valve includes a flexible valve memberdefining a normally closed outlet forming a substantially fluid-tightseal that prevents a flow of the substance therethrough but that allowsthe substance within the valve to flow therethrough when the substanceexceeds a valve opening pressure; wherein (i) during movement of themanually engageable surface in a direction from the second positiontoward the first position, the variable-volume storage chamber is influid communication with the compression chamber for permitting thesubstance to flow from the variable-volume storage chamber into thecompression chamber, and (ii) during movement of the manually engageablesurface in a direction from the first position toward the secondposition, the substance is pressurized above the valve opening pressureand, in turn, dispensed through the normally closed outlet of theone-way valve and out of the dispenser.
 12. A dispenser as defined inclaim 11, further comprising: a piston mounted on the housing, whereinin the first position the piston is located at least partially outsideof the compression chamber, and in the second position the piston islocated at least partially within the compression chamber; and a biasingmember for biasing the piston in the direction from the second positiontoward the first position.
 13. A dispenser as defined in claim 11,further comprising a biasing member for biasing the manually engageablesurface in the direction from the second position toward the firstposition, wherein the biasing member is at least one of a coil springand a resilient, elastomeric spring.
 14. A dispenser as defined in claim13, wherein the resilient, elastomeric spring is approximately domeshaped.
 15. A dispenser as defined in claim 11, wherein the flexiblevalve member is responsive to the flow of the substance at the outletexceeding the valve opening pressure to move between (i) anormally-closed condition, and (ii) an open condition wherein at leastportions of the valve member move to allow the passage of substancethrough the outlet and out of the dispenser.
 16. A dispenser as definedin claim 11, wherein the variable-volume storage chamber issubstantially airless.
 17. A dispenser as defined in claim 11, whereinthe one of the slidable wall and the plunger is movable axially upondispensing a volume of dosage from the storage chamber to reduce thevolume of the storage chamber in an amount approximately equal to thevolume of the dosage dispensed.
 18. A dispenser as defined in claim 11,wherein the outlet of the one-way valve is adjacent to the manuallyengageable surface.
 19. A dispenser as in claim 12, wherein depressingthe manually engageable surface moves the piston from the first positiontoward the second position, and, in turn, pressurizing the substance.20. A dispenser comprising: a housing; a variable-volume storage chamberformed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight sealbetween the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substanceto be dispensed; a piston mounted on the dispenser movable between firstand second positions; a one-way valve mounted on the dispenser andconnectible in fluid communication with the variable-volume storagechamber; a compression chamber connectible in fluid communication withthe variable volume storage chamber, wherein (i) during movement of thepiston in a direction from the second position toward the firstposition, the variable-volume storage chamber is in fluid communicationwith the compression chamber for permitting the substance to flow fromthe variable-volume storage chamber into the compression chamber, and(ii) during movement of the piston in a direction from the firstposition toward the second position, the substance is pressurized abovea valve opening pressure and, in turn, dispensed through the one-wayvalve and out of the dispenser.